Casualties unknown

1990-04-19: Grumman G-164B (N6708K) — Donald K. Burkdoll — Blythe, CA

Blythe, CA, US

On April 19, 1990, a Grumman G-164B (registration N6708K) operated by Donald K. Burkdoll was involved in an aviation accident near Blythe, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOTS OF N6708K AND N10222 TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT AND FAILURE OF THE PILOT OF N6708K TO FOLLOW A PREARANGED PROCEDURE FOR REVERSING THE DIRECTION OF FLIGHT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

Two Grumman G-164 aircraft (N6708K and N10222) collided during aerial application after one aircraft turned right into the path of the other, contrary to the agreed left-turn pattern.

Background

Two Grumman G-164 aircraft, registered as N6708K and N10222, were involved in a prearranged aerial application operation at the same field. The pilots of both aircraft agreed on a coordinated plan to perform the application simultaneously.

Planned Procedures

The pilots agreed to enter the field from opposite ends on opposite headings and conduct a racetrack pattern. After completing each swath run, a left turn was planned. This sequence was to be repeated until the application was completed.

Collision

According to a ground witness, after completing a swath run, one of the aircraft (N6708K) turned to the right instead of the planned left turn. This maneuver brought N6708K into the path of the other aircraft (N10222). Subsequently, the two aircraft converged and collided with one another.

Aircraft

The aircraft involved were both Grumman G-164 models, a type commonly used for aerial application. Specific details about the extent of damage or injuries were not provided in the available information.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22933. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.